The rights and obligations of foreigners in Moldova will be governed by a new legal framework. The Moldovan Government has approved a draft law regulating the admission, stay, and supervision of foreigners.
“This draft law benefits both foreign nationals who obtain the right to stay in Moldova and the state. It will allow authorities to identify, in a timely manner, individuals who may pose a threat to national security, while also requiring applicants to demonstrate sufficient means of subsistence in order to obtain residence rights. At the same time, the new framework will enhance Moldova’s attractiveness to investors and highly qualified professionals, and we anticipate an increase in state budget revenues”, emphasized Minister Daniella Misail-Nichitin.
The draft establishes clear rules for 23 distinct purposes of stay, including employment, highly qualified work, self-employment, studies, research, professional internships, educational programs, and economic mobility. It also introduces new legal pathways for migration, such as intra-company transfers (ICT), au pair and student exchange programs, research activities, and professional training through internships.
In addition, the law promotes labor mobility and investments by introducing transparent procedures for domestic employers and foreign investors, as well as predictable and consistent legal treatment for all categories of foreign nationals.
The draft also provides competitive advantages for sectors facing workforce shortages, enabling short-term labor mobility and recruitment for periods of up to 90 days.
At the end of 2025, more than 21,500 foreign nationals and stateless persons from over 130 countries were registered in Moldova. Of these, more than 5,600 held permanent residence permits, while approximately 16,000 had temporary residence rights.
Following the adoption by Parliament, the law is scheduled to enter into force on June 1, 2027. It will replace the current Law on the status of foreigners in the Republic of Moldova.
